QRU Match No. 017 - Maoris visit Queensland on 1888-89 Epic

Queenslanders are Remembering

QRU Match No. 017 & 018 - July 13 & 20, 1889

Just a year after hosting the original British Lions, Queensland hosted the original All Blacks. The New Zealand Natives team, pictured here in front of the United Tribes and Union Jack flags before their match against Queensland, played an incredible 107 matches on their 1888/89 tour of New Zealand, the British Isles and Australia, winning 78 of them.

The Evening News (July 10, 1889) -

"The New Zealanders left Sydney yesterday by the s.s. Konoowarra for Brisbane. They meet the Northern Rugby Union representatives on July 13 and 20, play against Toowoomba combination on July 15, and against Ipswich team on July 18. After their return match against Queensland they come back to Sydney."

Queensland faced the New Zealanders twice, going down 22-0 before putting in spirited performance the following weekend to lose 11-7.

Maori Fullback William Warbrick returned to Australia after the tour to become Queensland Representative Number 100, in 1891.

"His knowledge of the game being unsurpassed, and his daring deeds in the face of the heaviest odds known in both hemispheres." (Referee 6/11/1901)

Warbrick went on to apply his renowned understanding to the first Wallabies team, as their coach in 1899 after playing 10 matches for Queensland, 4 as captain.